Minister Gajdoš visits Slovak soldiers in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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- Date: 13.12.2019
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Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš and Chief of Defence Gen Daniel Zmeko today visited Slovak service members deployed in support of EUFOR Op ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On this occasion, the Minister and the CHOD brought them a Christmas tree, gifts and ingredients for the traditional Christmas sauerkraut soup. Yet, to them, the most precious were their family members who travelled to BiH as part of the Slovak delegation. During his visit to BiH, head of the MOD met with the outgoing BiH Defence Minister, Mrs Marina Pendeš, Commander EUFOR, Major General Reinhard Trischak (AUT A), and Commander and Senior Military Representative at NATO Headquarters - Sarajevo, Brig Gen William J. Edwards (USA A).
Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš said: “Slovakia has been involved in building and supporting stability in the Western Balkan region through EUFOR Op ALTHEA since 2004, in other words, for the past 15 years. This is a clear signal of our longstanding support for Bosnia and Herzegovina in its efforts to secure its stability and integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures.” The Minister further said that Slovakia is ready to contribute to the operation as long as needed.
During the meeting, Minister Gajdoš thanked soldiers for their service in promoting peace and security. “I know that serving far away from your families and close ones is demanding and this is all the more true over Christmas. Yet, the tasks you are performing are truly important and I am immensely proud of your achievements,” he said, adding that the Slovak Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) in Sarajevo is looked on by our partners as a model to be followed by other LOTs operating across the country.
According to Chief of Defence Gen Daniel Zmeko, service members deployed on EUFOR Op ALTHEA have performed their duties with utmost commitment and in line with the given mandate. “The operation is secured personnel-wise and logistics-wise and we cannot see any obstacles to performing the duties into the future. What has come out of today’s talks is the request to strengthen some capabilities and we will consult on that within the MOD,” he added.
Commander of the Slovak Contingent on EUFOR Op ALTHEA Lt Col Peter Gavač briefed the Defence Minister on the course of the deployment and current developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “The situation in the country has been influenced by frequent protests and the political situation remains very fragile. Nevertheless, the position of locals on EUFOR Op ALTHEA is prevailingly positive,” he reported. Finally, he thanked the Minister and the CHOD for their visit as well as for bringing the soldiers’ family members to BiH.
The Slovak Republic has been part of EUFOR Op ALTHEA since 2004. The aim of the operation is to stabilise the security environment of Bosnia and Herzegovina, work towards the fulfilment of the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA), and build the capabilities of BiH armed forces. A total of 889 SVK Armed Forces members have rotated in and out of the operation. Currently, 41 SVK personnel (including 1 servicewoman) are deployed in support of EUFOR Op ALTHEA.
Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš said: “Slovakia has been involved in building and supporting stability in the Western Balkan region through EUFOR Op ALTHEA since 2004, in other words, for the past 15 years. This is a clear signal of our longstanding support for Bosnia and Herzegovina in its efforts to secure its stability and integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures.” The Minister further said that Slovakia is ready to contribute to the operation as long as needed.
During the meeting, Minister Gajdoš thanked soldiers for their service in promoting peace and security. “I know that serving far away from your families and close ones is demanding and this is all the more true over Christmas. Yet, the tasks you are performing are truly important and I am immensely proud of your achievements,” he said, adding that the Slovak Liaison and Observation Team (LOT) in Sarajevo is looked on by our partners as a model to be followed by other LOTs operating across the country.
According to Chief of Defence Gen Daniel Zmeko, service members deployed on EUFOR Op ALTHEA have performed their duties with utmost commitment and in line with the given mandate. “The operation is secured personnel-wise and logistics-wise and we cannot see any obstacles to performing the duties into the future. What has come out of today’s talks is the request to strengthen some capabilities and we will consult on that within the MOD,” he added.
Commander of the Slovak Contingent on EUFOR Op ALTHEA Lt Col Peter Gavač briefed the Defence Minister on the course of the deployment and current developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “The situation in the country has been influenced by frequent protests and the political situation remains very fragile. Nevertheless, the position of locals on EUFOR Op ALTHEA is prevailingly positive,” he reported. Finally, he thanked the Minister and the CHOD for their visit as well as for bringing the soldiers’ family members to BiH.
The Slovak Republic has been part of EUFOR Op ALTHEA since 2004. The aim of the operation is to stabilise the security environment of Bosnia and Herzegovina, work towards the fulfilment of the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA), and build the capabilities of BiH armed forces. A total of 889 SVK Armed Forces members have rotated in and out of the operation. Currently, 41 SVK personnel (including 1 servicewoman) are deployed in support of EUFOR Op ALTHEA.
